Foundations of Philately – Book Review (Brief)

The making of stamps is a fascinating topic. My limited recollections lead me to conclude many collectors really don’t know how stamps are made or the history of production techniques.

My own belief is every stamp collector should know at least how the basics of the various printing techniques and design have evolved in the past 170 years. Understanding the stamp production process will make you an ‘educated collector’ and bring you even more joy from these colorful and intricate little pieces of paper.

My limited recollections lead me to conclude many collectors really don’t know how stamps are made or the history of production techniques.

My own belief is every stamp collector should know at least how the basics of the various printing techniques and design have evolved in the past 170 years. Understanding the stamp production process will make you an ‘educated collector’ and bring you even more joy from these colorful and intricate little pieces of paper.

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Hi Molokai:

With the exception of your statement about the printing of stamps being fascinating, I agree completely with your observations. I also confess that I am guilty of not knowing much about the production process, and, at times, my ignorance is frustrating. It drives me crazy when I need to differentiate between stamps with identical designs that are printed by typography and those that are printed by lithography.

Argentina's definitive set of 1959-1967, Sc. 685-705 has several stamps that are identical except for the printing method. I simply cannot distinguish one from another. Alas, I am without hope in this area and I am forced to rely solely on sellers' identifications for these stamps.

The making of stamps is a fascinating topic. My limited recollections lead me to conclude many collectors really don’t know how stamps are made or the history of production techniques.

My own belief is every stamp collector should know at least how the basics of the various printing techniques and design have evolved in the past 170 years. Understanding the stamp production process will make you an ‘educated collector’ and bring you even more joy from these colorful and intricate little pieces of paper.

I can't imagine a serious philatelist not having that book for at least reference...

On eBay what sellers ask and what an item fetches can be very far apart. There is a fellow selling newly issued paperback chess books which fetch $25-$30 for astronomical prices...just saw one for $180! Must be something to it, perhaps sellers get some sort of perk for total dollar amount they list? If someone knows, please clue me in on it.

I can't imagine a serious philatelist not having that book for at least reference...

On eBay what sellers ask and what an item fetches can be very far apart. There is a fellow selling newly issued paperback chess books which fetch $25-$30 for astronomical prices...just saw one for $180! Must be something to it, perhaps sellers get some sort of perk for total dollar amount they list? If someone knows, please clue me in on it.

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Ebay like everything else in Capitali$t America...is out to gouge...Buyer beware !